Vision Buddy 2022 Update - New Features And Accessories

[@millielemus4004]

Thank you for making this channel and sharing it with the world. My son is blind from Retinal Detachment in both eyes. He went blind at 20 and he is now 28. Your videos have helped him greatly. 👍🏽👏🏾

[@theblindlife]

Thank you so much, I’m happy to help!

[@kathymichael7224]

One of my high school students and I watched this today with our mouths open and we both want one! I can see the uses in the classroom! She also plays video games at home and she loves to read. I have another student who could use it as well as she has a Connect 12 that is not only extra baggage to carry but it's on loan. I have to get their folks together to start GoFund me accounts for them. This is very exciting, but then I'm the old teacher for kids with VI who gets very excited over technology we find for our kids! Since I discovered your channel, my braille student with low vision and I watch your videos in class.

[@theblindlife]

That’s fantastic, thank you!

[@nathansmith7938]

Great video as always! The ability to use Vision Buddy to play a gaming system is very cool. I personally am not a big gamer but my son and wife love to play Xbox and it woud be awesome to have the ability to join them doing something they enjoy.

[@KennethBSmith]

Thanks Sam. It has some great features. Of course as I’ve told you before, the one solution I am looking for is reading close caption. Reading subtitles in Real time. guessing this doesn’t have it or you would’ve mentioned it.

[@theblindlife]

No, but as we talked about during one of our calls, you should try turning on the audio description. It will read the subtitles out for you.

[@mikefowler7341]

Great tutorial! I just got my new VB and was wondering when in TV mode, is there supposed to be a delay or lag on the headset from what is in real time on the tv? Thanks

[@anodysseyofsteven1985]

Hi Sam. I’m very impressed with the Vision BUDDY. I am very interested in the new update where you can connect it to a computer and or gaming system and play video games. The one thing though that I hope that the developers at Vision BUDDY do is upgrade the video gaming experience to where you can actually play a video game competitively.

[@deviudayakumar8358]

Wonderful.. how is the weight of the device.. can it worn be for hours without any heaviness?

[@onurpuza1049]

Thank you so much for the review, can you plug this into a game console when the console was also plugged into the tv, so we can play with family ?

[@pduffy83usa]

So I'm returning the vision buddy, here's why Feedback on vision buddy Video magnifier mode It just seems to have a tad bit of lag when you look around at various objects It does help in low light conditions, but not as good as my iPhone does when I use its magnifier TV hub I have an Apple TV, it was basically too slow to use as far as navigating menus and such using the Siri remote like you normally do when its directly connected to your TV Mini CCTV I made sure everything was connect right, it would switch into the external camera mode, but the screen just goes black

[@jasonking5840]

Great video. One question can I watch tv at the same time my family is with the vision buddy or will it only show up on VR?

[@Tabby.chanel]

Did you find the answer to your question?

[@theblindlife]

If you have a transmitter connected to the television, you can then send the signal to the headset. This means what is playing on the television is also playing into the headset. So yes, you can sit there and watch the same show as your family. However, there is about a one to 2 second delay between what shows up on the television and what shows up in the headset.

[@uneek5336]

Hi Sam I need something like this but can't afford it Do you know of any other vision buddy styles that are not as expensive? I'm on a budget but I have to get something to see with becuz I feel as though I'm missing out on life travel etc. Right now I'm needing something to see TV and laptop. Thank you

[@garathekd]

For the TV watching aspect of the device I really wish it wasn't a headset. Personally the whole part of sitting on the couch is more about being with my family and not feeling separate. headsets are so isolating, being able to mirror the TV to a tablet like device is more what I'd like to see. I used to do all my streaming through a PC connected to the TV and had a tablet that I would remote desktop to the PC and it was amazing... AppleTV and the new shareplay feature is the closest I've found to working the same way.

[@blindfish-and-sheep5175]

If you can manage to run a Plex media server or if someone is willing to share his library with you, you may want to try the built-in "Watch together" feature. This is how i watch my movies and shows on an iPad Pro and in most cases, TV and iPad are absolutely in sync with each other. Got my VisionBuddy yesterday, but there is a lag of about 5 to 8 seconds between the picture showing up on the TV until it is transmitted to the headset. If i cannot solve this issue, this would be a show stopper for me and i would return to my iPad solution anyways.

[@garathekd]

@@blindfish-and-sheep5175 yeah I've used that. Netflix, disney+ and I think prime all have watch party style things you can set up as well. Apple shareplay works with all of the above, though I haven't tried it yet with plex. Now while these options work,, they require some setup each time to use. What I'd want in an ideal world would to be able to come in to the room with someone else watching TV, pick up a tablet and just start watching what ever was on the screen. I did this with an HDMI splitter and a second tv in the past as well as the Remote desktop setup I mentioned above. The Vision buddy transmitter paired with a device similar to the Nintendo switch that can be held in your hands , be wireless and have dedicated controls for zooming and panning is what I'd like to see.

[@blindfish-and-sheep5175]

The VisionBuddy transmitter will always suffer from a delayed signal being transmitted to the headset. Even in ideal conditions it is around 2 seconds, mostly worth, which is unacceptable for my usecase. The headset can be used without any delay when using a wired connection involving the computer link adapter. However, i am not sure if i will use it when i have to run a cable across my living room to achieve that.

[@attilato2445]

Do you know the battery life between charges? example just watching TV via TV Hub. Also does it read different Languages? I presume one needs to down load the language that one wants the unit to read to you.

[@billbryant5001]

Thanks for another well done and comprehensive review. The feature to connect directly to the computer is very similar to what I have been looking for. The review lowered my expectation of how useful it may be. Are there any other devices that have similar ability to connect to a computer?

[@theblindlife]

There are consumer VR headsets that also have disability. However, I can’t guarantee that they have any type of accessibility built in.

[@victorq7868]

Thank you very much here from spain

[@213inc]

Found you on tic tok. Ive never heard of Vision Buddy being low vision since a kid this looks like its a game changer. is it possible to use this with glasses? Awesome video.

[@thomasschwarting5108]

My mom is using this product, and in my experience with it I was thinking the same thing, but think of it as though you were using binoculars. You dont need glasses. The headset works very well without the glasses.Then again maybe my eyes are not as bad as yours. As I'm writing this though, he says you CAN wear glasses WITH the headset.

[@theblindlife]

Yes, I talk about this in the video. You are able to wear glasses with the headset. However, I guess it depends on how big and bulky the glasses are.

[@samuelmaycock5770]

Because assistive tech can be so expensive, I would be interested to see a comparison of features between assistive tech headsets as compared to more commercial and cheaper options like Oculus or HTC Vive.

[@IllegallySighted]

To my knowledge, none of the consumer headsets like oculus or Vive have good enough cameras to even be able to attempt something like this. I know from experience, the Quest has a simple black and white pass-through camera that actually kind of looks like garbage, but it gets the job done for mapping out your play area. Right now, I think these specific types of headsets really are the only way to go for clear magnification. It just depends whether or not adding really powerful and clear cameras is some thing standard headsets will add later.

[@danabelden4492]

I love it alot but the cords on my game system don't have any were to go on the box

[@matthews4159]

Have you tried an Oculus/Meta Quest 2 ?? Maybe.... Meta or a developer could produce a boot to app which would make a $299 Quest usable like the Vision Buddy .. a thaught

[@drumdad1242]

Hey Sam, just found your channel, really great videos, thanks!

[@stonecrosscreations]

My mom is blind in one eye and glaucoma has impaired her other. Im assuming you don't need to wear your glasses with these. She would like to see her tv better, would these help her?

[@danabelden4492]

I miss playing my games for a long time

[@rebeccamoore7796]

Thanks for all your videos. I've recently been trying to see what's out there to help my 85-year old dad with MD continue doing family history research on the computer. Magnifiers and contrast just aren't cutting it anymore. Your reviews of Vision Buddy and IrisVision give me some hope. How do the two compare?

[@comancheviperrrr]

So two quick questions. Can I hook the mini CCTV camera directly to my television and bypass division buddy? And where can I purchase a vision buddy? Amazon says it’s out of stock and they don’t know when or if it will be back in stock

[@theblindlife]

I’m not sure about the camera, I didn’t try it while I had the device. I would just go to the vision buddy website too purchase it.

[@MissouriMatt54]

Most adaptive technology slows me down. Especially when you have to zoom in and out to different areas of the screen. Compared to moving your head around to look at the different parts of the screen.

[@IllegallySighted]

It looks like they’ve made some nice improvements since I last tried the headset, but if I’m going to use my computer screen, I will more than likely just use Windows Magnifier or something where I don’t have to wear a headset. I also like that they are getting closer to supporting interactive media like games. I’m not quite there yet, because much of what I play requires pretty tight timing, like action games, shooters, or even racing games. If you have input leg, it’s really easy to over or understeer when trying to drive.

[@theblindlife]

Yeah, I’m right there with you

[@susancarr6350]

Query 1: Would Vision zBuddy work with an Ipevo camera, which is a lot cheaper? Query 2: What is the image quality? HD, UHD? Thanks for this video!

[@danabelden4492]

I just got mine today omg wow crazy cool I got the tv package 3.0 I forgot that plays games too right

[@leahjoby7612]

Thank you for this video

[@pduffy83usa]

Awesome video, the trial version should be on its way to me shortly!

[@theblindlife]

Nice!

[@johnanderson9494]

Do you recommend the vision buddy? I am thinking of buying one for my mother.

[@pduffy83usa]

@@johnanderson9494 It personally didn't satisfy my very high expectations, but I always tell people to try it for themselves because what doesn't work for me might work for you.

[@lorenzowest7756]

The court does not seem too long from the game to the headset

[@theblindtrader7358]

great info thanks for sharing

[@marionzintak15]

I am so happy that I found this the blind life I am losing my sight little by little and I can't believe whoever invented this was a genius I don't know what the cost is but I'm going to try and get it no matter what it cost this is something that I really need I'm an older lady and I don't know how much longer God is going to let me live but I want to be able to live life to the fullest because right now I am so limited on what I could do because I can't see that well thank you so much for letting me find this website thank you I'm going to look into it what it's going to cost me to buy it thank you very much God bless

[@PaulSmith-nd7dj]

Love the channel and certainly like the look of the vision buddy. Do you know whether it could link with an android smartphone via an HDML/USBC adaptor? Take care and keep up the good work

[@theblindlife]

In theory, yes, but I didn’t test that so not sure.

[@wilsonpartyof6]

Hey Sam! I have dtargardts. Diagnosed at 8 and I'm now 27. I'm used to using smartphones and iPads. I recently saw your video about the patriot view point. Then you mentioned the urus and now this one. I'm looking for something I can wear to watch television, read mail, watch my children play sports, etc. my vision seems to be pretty much the same as yours. Which one would you recommend as a go to product for everything I mentioned?

[@theblindlife]

For the things you mentioned, I would either look at the patriot viewpoint or the iris vision. The older iris vision, not the newer one. I would try those first and see if they fit your needs.

[@MissouriMatt54]

Thank you for the video.

[@gskaleski]

Can one connect to a 3D blu ray player to watch 3D Blu-ray’s directly?

[@theblindlife]

You can connect to anything via HDMI. Now, I don’t know if it will still come in 3-D or not but you can definitely connect to it.

[@TheMaryZeiser]

Do movies still play on the tv screen while connected?

[@theblindlife]

If you connect the transmitter to the television, then the movies will play on the TV as well.

[@danabelden4492]

Trying to get one

[@orinmac27]

Sir it's my first time to find something that can help my mother to see. She can't see anymore just a small light to know if it's still night. But do u have a gadget that can help her see? Pls sir I'm really sad to see my mother sad because she can't see anymore.

[@mikeadickes6256]

Being low vision does not mean you should hove to spend you life savings just to be able to see. The Vision Buddy does some Great things but my problem is the price it is 2500.00 for the basic package. You said it your self this product is for people looking to consume content if that is the case why not get the Quest 2 it does all most the same thing. you can watch Netflix KZbin and even get free apps to watch moves. it has adjustable lenses the Vision Buddy does NOT. Lets talk games the quest 2 has AAA Games made to run on it smooth as butter NO LAG but wait there is more you can also get the app to remote desktop witch means using you PC in VR just like the Vision Buddy. The Quest 2 is 300.00 and yes you may need to buy some apps on top of that but let me tell you after you buy the apps you want/need you will spend ways less then what the Vision Buddy costs and have Way more customized options as well.

[@davidreichert916]

I I'm new to this channel and fairly new to the visually impaired community. I am completely blind in one eye and have serious glaucoma damage in the other. I tend to watch most content sitting fairly close to the TV. This video got me thinking for the first time. Would a headset either like this or a standard VR headset help me You content? And then I saw your comment based on the less costly quest 2 and has me thinking whether or not I'll be able to use that. Tell me if you content. I'm just curious, what is your personal experience with the quest 2? Obviously visual impairment is a spectrum and I have no idea what you suffer from but figured it wouldn't hurt to ask.

[@IllegallySighted]

Yes, the Quest does have its own games, and you can also use it with several remote desktop apps when connected to a PC. I recommend Virtual Desktop. I’ve used that app on my oculus rift several times, and it’s worked pretty well. The one thing oculus headsets won’t do is magnify things in the real world, because their cameras are not really good at all. It really just depends what you’re using the device for.

[@mikeadickes6256]

@@davidreichert916 For me the experience is a step down from movie and imax quality. You can make the screen bigger. The worse I have was my degenerative nystagmus and cataracts and I used it to watch content and it was the best I could get. For those using it just to watch content with low vision I feel the money is worth it. It has no extra wires and the lenses are adjustable and you can use it with or without glasses. I have also found accessories that are available like lenses for the oculus.

[@davidreichert916]

Thanks for the information. I'll have to see if I can try one at like a Best Buy to see if it works for me.

[@KennethBSmith]

Many thanks. I was not familiar with the quest. I’ll check it out.

[@JayC_x]

Do you think Vision buddy is better than eight?

[@jimfellion2854]

Woooow! nice tool but is is 3 grand! -- out of my reach

[@KennethBSmith]

👍

[@paolotonolo1140]

At 4 Grand ...that's robbery, it's simply taking advantage.

[@donnaparks1919]

😒 maybe I can make wire jewelry again

[@danabelden4492]

I just got mine today omg wow crazy cool I got the tv package 3.0 I forgot that plays games too right

[@theblindlife]

Awesome